Saturday, July 13, 2013

"What would you do if you found yourself awakening from a deep slumber to discover that your hands were missing? How would you eat, or drink? How would you brush your teeth? How would you change your clothes? How would you turn a doorknob? How would you answer the phone? How would you sign a check, or fill out a form? The frustrations are endless, but survival is a human instinct, so you would have to figure out how to do things or have someone do everything for you. The innate instinct for survival can get you by, but the human spirit and a strong sense of pride can help you overcome obstacles at a much faster pace..."You work with what you have," says Mike, a bilateral amputee. "And you never give up on your dreams..." ~~~

Within My Grasp: A Double Amputee's True Story

By Mike Penketh with Marti Smiley Childs

and Jeff March

Mike Penketh knew what he wanted to do early in his life--he wanted to fly! Nothing ever swayed him from that desire, that goal...Not then, not now that he has lost both of his hands... This autobiography is truly a remarkable story. His desire to fly stayed strong throughout his life, even though he wanted to move faster than permitted by officials...LOL But even when he got a "no," that wouldn't stop him either... His determination, his drive to succeed, and, later, his adjustments to an unexpected change in his physical body, is nothing short of a sign of the courage, strength and tenacity that kept this daring man going...

"I trained on Cessna 150s--100-horsepower, littlebitty airplanes--but at Fullerton Airport I saw anassortment of airplanes that stirred my imagination.I flew every one of them--in my mind. I was a dreamer.I remember a yellow J3 Cub sitting on the green grass,a Porterfield, an SNJ Trainer, a Fletcher COIN Fighterand off in the corner a Curtiss P-40 Tomahawk. I satmany hours in the P-40 imagining--I was a FlyingTiger in China. I was Pappy Boyington's wingman. Iwas an ace!"Meanwhile that summer, halfway around the world,real fighter pilots found themselves engaged in aconflict that soon would affect the lives of people andalter the American political landscape for the nextdecade...~~~

Mike's father, George, was a Marine during WWII and served as an airplane mechanic. Then later went back into service when the Korean War began. Mike was just four years old, but he listened carefully to his father's stories, and then in 1951 he got the chance to see his first--an F4UB Corsair, commenting that it was the biggest thing he'd ever seen. Of course that first time was scary for him, but it didn't take his long to replace his fear with desire to see more and more planes.

By Kindergarten, he was sharing his extensive knowledge with his fellow students. And, of course, he was soon building models of planes and then finally got an engine to fly one! Needless to say, he was obsessed and his obsession followed him through high school, when he announced that he would soon be off to college to become a pilot...

By the mid-60s he was taking his first lessons...

I have to add a personal note that he and I are just one year apart in age...My dream had been to be a secretary and I had started a temporary job and then full-time by 1963, when I graduated. Both had a dream, but I have to say that mine was much more traditional for a female...and safer...

"Six weeks after enrollingin the Aviation ScholarshipProgram, in the Spring of1970, I drove my 1965Corvette on Route 66 back toQuantico, Virginia, to OfficerCandidates School. There Ihad the rudest awakening ofmy life.~~~

Mike in his Zlin 50

But this guy was committed to one career, while mine stayed much the same through the years, except in level of complexity as I moved up. Still, I have to admit my admiration for this man who took on a major challenge during that particular time in our history. Yes, he did make it all the way, but I'm going to let you read all about the "good stuff" he did while in the service... Except to highlight this picture is in "Iwakuni, Japan, flying an A-4E with 20 mm cannon..."In addition to serving in the Marines, Mike went on to become a forest firefighter, a civilian pilot, including learning and performing Aerobatics, and then finally landing an airline position.

Ironically, Mike was injured in an air racer car crash. He saw the 6500 to 7000 rpms on the tachometer as he went into second gear and then into third, seeing the tachometer climb higher. No one knows what speed he was going when the car crashed, possibly in excess of 250 miles per hour...

The doctors were planning on fitting him for hooks...and he quickly nixed that! They would not permit him to drive either his car or to fly again--and he was going to do both.

And he did...

Flying enthusiasts will want to read all about the planes Mike has flown and all about his flying adventures, but we women will want to know about what he's done since successfully returning to flying.

I think you will all be proud that Mike is now totally involved with "A Touch of Understanding" which works to have those with various disabilities meet with school children to talk about their specific needs and what has been required, but, more so, to engender the belief for each of them that they can be successful in their endeavors, if they really want to and work hard to do it!

Although it was not mandatory that Mike have assistance, it has helped greatly for him to be aided by Magy, a service dog... And wouldn't you know it, this life-long competitor quickly had Magy involved in agility competitions!

Hey, you got to love this guy! If we ever wanted a "poster" with "Never Give Up!, this guy would surely be someone to consider as the role model!

There is much about this book to enjoy--reading of a young boy's dreams and his work to achieve them is just as meaningful as those adjustments he had to make when his body was no longer able to respond to his every command as it had done for so many years. You will see that he has been able to add humor to his interactions with the children and others and to, more importantly, adapt his discussions of his own issues to theirs so that they are able to see and be inspired by his achievements thereafter.

This is an important book. Many will see a need to share this within their families. But young boys and girls and teens can learn about perseverance, dedication and so much more. This is a must-reader for many--I know you'll know it! Get it soon to help others see and reach their potentials. And Mike, God Bless...

American Airlines Captain Mike Penketh maintained a perfect safety record while flying passengers, but on his own time he got his adrenaline rushes by mastering aerobatics and flying in competitions. He raced his home built Pitts S-1 biplane in the Reno Air Races. In his quest for speed, he miscalculated only once – and he paid dearly.

"I didn't know where I was, and I didn't know the guy who was leaning over me. I had been unconscious, and I was flat on my back, but as I began awakening in a groggy, dull fog, I sensed that I was in some kind of aircraft. Over the noise, the pilot spoke. He was talking about a patient with severe limb damage and a possible head injury," Mike wrote in the opening chapter of the book. "The pilot was contacting the radio dispatch room at the University of Utah Hospital Trauma Services Unit in Salt Lake City. I did not comprehend that I was the patient. Everything revolved in slow motion around me. I felt cold, numb. And then I blacked out again."

Trauma surgeons subsequently were forced to amputate Mike's hands following a horrific accident that nearly killed him. Although the course of his life was unalterably changed, he was determined against all odds to fly airplanes again. Within a remarkably short time of losing his hands, Mike became determined to resume flying airplanes. He was fitted for and tried numerous hook devices and prosthetic arms before his relentless pursuit led him to a technologically advanced solution with which he was able to perform some critical hand functions.

He culminated two years of preparations when he successfully demonstrated for doubting FAA examiners his ability to fly an aircraft using electronic prosthetic hands. The FAA reinstated his pilot's license and, while he never flew Boeing 737s again, he went on to perform intricate maneuvers in aerobatics shows to prove to himself and the naysayers that he could do it. Mike, working in collaboration with Marti Smiley Childs and Jeff March, tells his story in Within My Grasp: A Double Amputee's True Story. It is an inspirational autobiography about the challenges of coping with a disability, and learning how to focus on what you can do, rather than what you cannot do.

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Here's BRH Feedback--Cool!

6/17 Just saw your review on Amazon and then visited your site. Holy Smoke! As usual, I was amazed at what a fabulous job you did, reviewing the book and adding in all that related material. I was particularly thrilled that you included the book trailer I put on Utube. You adding it to your review made me very happy. In fact, I had a big smile on my face the whole time I looked at what you'd done. I even listened to the violin concerto and watched the video of Dog Hill. Every year it gets harder and harder to bring a new book to the attention of potential readers. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have you as an ally in that endeavor. Thank you so much for all you do for me and for other writers. There's no-one else like you. And that's no exaggeration.With profound gratitude, I remain, Your Friend, Don

Thank you. Your commitment to your craft is wonderful. Whether it's one star or 5, your reviews are detailed, considerate, and most of all, beneficial to the prospective reader.

What an amazing presentation. Stellar. I never expected anything like that.

Do you have a separate link that I can share? I'd love to post this everywhere I can. You did such a fabulous job.cheers Connie

Thank you so much for your glowing review of my new book. Your review really highlighted all the things that I try to incorporate in my books - they're the very things I want as a reader. I'm nearly finished writing the next book in the series - Walker and Munoz are back, and interestingly as you referenced in your review, this time it's personal. Again, thank you.

I'd read your amazing review before I looked at my Facebook page and was blessed. Hitting the link you posted, I was surprised for few would have gone to so much trouble, fewer still know that Lauren Bacall (born Betty Joan Perske) was Sephardic and bequeathed a large amount of primary source information about the Sephardim to a university, which I was able to view online when corroborating Naomi's story. Your review stands as one of the highlights of this profoundly dyslectic authors’ life. Thank & bless you heart emoticon

I thought I'd reach out to you for your heartfelt review on my novel. It was beautiful and brought tears to my eyes that someone was so moved by my tale... That it resonated that deeply with someone. Thanks for letting me know I'm not alone. Signed...

Wow, this is the most awesome blog post I've ever seen. Thank you for writing it! grin emoticon

I was thrilled with the details you offered in my review - like a literary movie trailer built on suspense and intrigue. I'm glad you're still reviewing books by aspiring authors like me. We need people like you! Keep up the good work and maintain that passion, Glenda!

Words fail me. Hi Glenda, I visited your review website today and was thrilled to see your marvelous features relating to Ms. Cramer's book. I passed them along to the author, and she is very excited and deeply grateful for your attention.

Your review of the book is wonderfully anecdotal and insightful, and it will be helpful I believe as an introduction to readers approaching Ms. Cramer's work for the first time. I found the opening of the review to be quite touching, with a wonderful sense of personal experience that I believe is all too often missing in critical review publication. In the context of the article, your remembrances from childhood add a truly beautiful layer to the photopoem you present.We're very impressed by what you put together using the press kit materials, and we will do our best to provide exposure for your features through our mailing list and other avenues.I do look forward to reading your articles in the future.We appreciate your considering our book and thank you very much for your fine and generous review coverage,

Saw the review and treatment of THE BLOOD BETRAYAL on your site. Once again, you've amazed me with what you do. Fantastic, fabulous… No, those words aren't good enough to describe your work and you.

I wrote up a short piece about what you did, directing people to your site from mine. That was really interesting and something I've never seen anyone do before. Great job, and I'm glad you enjoyed the novel.

Yo my truly heartfelt thank you for your very generous and kind review! I appreciate very much the time and effort you put into this review for me, and your so graciously posting it in multiple locations.

Your blogsite is extremely professional and well-done! What you posted for me there has completely blown me away!

Thank you again very much for such a comprehensive and thoroughly entertaining review. It's one of the best reviews I have received and I'm very proud to have it. Most Gratefully,

Glenda, You review blew my mind. When I listened to the songs you inserted, they brought tears to my eyes. You added a dimension to my work that was missing. In the attachment I have attempted to answer your question about anger. Thank you so much for your raving review. There are no words in the English language to express the gratitude I feel for you. I wish you a wonderful and blessed day.

I've been sitting in my chair for nearly fifteen minutes, stuck in an infinite loop of visual digestion and stunned amazement because of what you put together on your site for The Doppler Affect review. The time alone that you put into crafting the page is humbling, but the creativity and flair adds a layer I've never seen in reviews. Of course, the frosting of your very positive evaluation makes it the best cake I've eaten yet! I was also amazed at how you could step away from any biases due to your preferred genre and frame it for others...thank you. My newest book, Patriot's Point, will be released imminently. The publisher wants to know if I knew of any one in particular who has blogs or review sites that I would want to use. I immediately thought of you. Thanks, Doug

Glenda, I am truly in awe of your reviews and your review style. I have never seen anyone do a review as you can do one. I was entertained, informed, enlightened and amazed. There should be awards for creative, insightful and captivating reviews -- and you should be a recipient. Thanks for reviewing my book. And thanks for giving it an aura and image and feel that only your review could give it. I am very appreciative. All the best, Patrick

During the period of time that you requested my story, I also had other blog sites asking for the book as well. I had received three eviews prior to yours, and although I am very happy to report that all three were positive and enthusiastic, your entire presentation of the book, from the actual commentary to the ambitious visuals, blew me away and has left me emotionally weak-kneed in gratitude. I am extremely touched by all that you had to say and how you visually presented the concept of the book. Please note that I will place your website on the book's Facebook page which will hopefully bring your blog site more readership. Again, please know how grateful I am for your emotionally thrilling review. You have certainly made my day, Glenda! With much appreciation, Author/The Poe Consequence

I wanted to make sure I got a chance to properly thank you for posting the wonderful review of The Medici Boy! It was terrific, not just because you like the book (thank you) but because your analysis was thoughtful and honest. You put your heart into it, (Photos were out of this world) and you wrote like a friend would (we think that’s the very best kind of review). I appreciate your time and passion for literature! We’ve been promoting the site, since you went live, and we’re going to continue to promote your site on Social Media throughout the month. Senior Publicist Blue Dot Literary

Dear Glenda, I have to start this response with a BIG WOW! I have been very gratified with my experience as a new writer for both my books now and am working on a third. However, your review is like nothing I've ever seen, and I consider it a great piece of writing and creativity in itself. Thank you so very much for your kind words and treatment of Millstone. Once again, thank you for this review. I plan to pass it on in every venue available to me. My best wishes to you JackH

Thank you so much for your glowing review of my new book. Your review really highlighted all the things that I try to incorporate in my books - they're the very things I want as a reader. I'm nearly finished writing the next book in the series - Walker and Munoz are back, and interestingly as you referenced in your review, this time it's personal. Again, thank you.

I'd read your amazing review before I looked at my Facebook page and was blessed. Hitting the link you posted, I was surprised for few would have gone to so much trouble, fewer still know that Lauren Bacall (born Betty Joan Perske) was Sephardic and bequeathed a large amount of primary source information about the Sephardim to a university, which I was able to view online when corroborating Naomi's story. Your review stands as one of the highlights of this profoundly dyslectic authors’ life. Thank & bless you heart emoticon

I thought I'd reach out to you for your heartfelt review on my novel. It was beautiful and brought tears to my eyes that someone was so moved by my tale... That it resonated that deeply with someone. Thanks for letting me know I'm not alone. Signed...

JAFV I am stunned...

Wow, this is the most awesome blog post I've ever seen. Thank you for writing it! grin emoticon

I was thrilled with the details you offered in my review - like a literary movie trailer built on suspense and intrigue. I'm glad you're still reviewing books by aspiring authors like me. We need people like you! Keep up the good work and maintain that passion, Glenda!

Words fail me.

Hi Glenda, I visited your review website today and was thrilled to see your marvelous features relating to Ms. Cramer's book. I passed them along to the author, and she is very excited and deeply grateful for your attention.

Your review of the book is wonderfully anecdotal and insightful, and it will be helpful I believe as an introduction to readers approaching Ms. Cramer's work for the first time. I found the opening of the review to be quite touching, with a wonderful sense of personal experience that I believe is all too often missing in critical review publication. In the context of the article, your remembrances from childhood add a truly beautiful layer to the photopoem you present.We're very impressed by what you put together using the press kit materials, and we will do our best to provide exposure for your features through our mailing list and other avenues.I do look forward to reading your articles in the future.We appreciate your considering our book and thank you very much for your fine and generous review coverage,

Saw the review and treatment of THE BLOOD BETRAYAL on your site. Once again, you've amazed me with what you do. Fantastic, fabulous… No, those words aren't good enough to describe your work and you.

I wrote up a short piece about what you did, directing people to your site from mine. That was really interesting and something I've never seen anyone do before. Great job, and I'm glad you enjoyed the novel.

..my truly heartfelt thank you for your very generous and kind review! I appreciate very much the time and effort you put into this review for me, and your so graciously posting it in multiple locations.

Your blogsite is extremely professional and well-done! What you posted for me there has completely blown me away!

Thank you again very much for such a comprehensive and thoroughly entertaining review. It's one of the best reviews I have received and I'm very proud to have it. Most Gratefully,

You review blew my mind. When I listened to the songs you inserted, they brought tears to my eyes. You added a dimension to my work that was missing. In the attachment I have attempted to answer your question about anger. Thank you so much for your raving review. There are no words in the English language to express the gratitude I feel for you. I wish you a wonderful and blessed day. James Womack

WOW! What a beautiful post you did for ALMOST PERFECT ON YOUR I can’t imagine how much time you must have taken to create some thing so imaginative and special. I feel truly humbled and touched and quite unequal to saying how much it meant to me. A real present. You must be a very special person. I wish you were my neighbor and we could have a real chat over coffee. Maybe someday. But meanwhile know how wonderful your work made me feel and buoyed to keep on keeping on! Diane

I wanted to make sure I got a chance to properly thank you for posting the wonderful review of The Medici Boy! It was terrific, not just because you like the book (thank you) but because your analysis was thoughtful and honest. You put your heart into it, (Photos were out of this world) and you wrote like a friend would (we think that’s the very best kind of review). I appreciate your time and passion for literature! We’ve been promoting the site, since you went live, and we’re going to continue to promote your site on Social Media throughout the month. Senior Publicist Blue Dot Literary